Intermarine SpA shipbuilder, a subsidiary of the Immsi industrial group, has delivered the new high-speed craft (HSC) Snav Sirius to the SNAV, Società Navigazione Alta Velocità, a privately owned shipping company in the MSC Group that provides ferry services in the Mediterranean.
SNAV operates fast links between Naples and the islands in the Bay of Naples, the Aeolian islands, the Pontine islands, Castellammare di Stabia, Sorrento and Croatia.
The high-speed craft is a latest-generation ferry for short sea crossings, which will operate in the Bay of Naples.
Designed by the Intermarine research centre in Messina, the new ferry is constructed entirely in lightweight aluminium.
While it is similar in size to the HSC Snav Orion, which has been in service with SNAV for a number of years on links with the islands in the Bay of Naples, it has been completely upgraded.
The propulsion system consists of four engines, and 3 IMO III type-approved generators (Marpol Convention) for electric combustion control, fitted with a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system for significant emissions reduction.
According to Immsi Group, the engines and the generators can also be powered with biofuel, whose use contributes to emissions reduction of up to 90%.
The boat is also equipped with a cold ironing dock socket for shore-to-ship energy supply, and can accommodate a hybrid propulsion system for zero-emission port entry and exit manoeuvres.
“SNAV is delighted to be able to begin services with a latest-generation craft equipped with advanced technologies designed to reduce environmental impact, one of the main goals of the MSC Group,” said Immsi in its statement.
